Issue 38 of Ag Mag by THEAGMAG

Michelle Martin

Owner/Editor michelle@theagmag.org (956) 330-8870

Al Benavides

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

Romans 6:23

“ For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

A Letter from the Editor How many times have you taken your trash out for the trashman to come collect it? It is part of our weekly chores I presume. Every week it is the same thing. We roll the trashcan to the end of the driveway and wait for it to be picked up. There has even been times when I have forgotten and literally chased the trash truck with the trashcan being pulled anxiously behind me. This simple task can be viewed as a life lesson. God ultimately died on the cross to rid us of our “trash.” Every day that we live on this earth we fill ourselves with soul trash as I like to call it. It is no secret that we sin daily. Even the “little sins” we don’t think are a big deal fill the trashcan pretty quickly. Once our trash is full we ask God for forgiveness where He takes our trash out and we become clean again. However, it is nearly impossible for us to ask for forgiveness for every single sin we commit, because lets be honest we sin so many times on a daily basis whether we choose to admit it or not. When I talk sins I usually think of the “BIG SINS” such as lying, cheating, stealing etc.. But the little sins like cursing, or saying something poorly about someone, I sometimes shove in the back of my mind and think they aren’t big enough to matter, but the truth is they weigh just as much as the so called big sins. They fill the soul trashcan as fast as the big trash does. What a small sin is to me might be a big sin to others. It all depends on the person. Sometimes we judge others for sinning differently than us. But what we need to remember is God made us all different and we all have different views and beliefs, but the one thing that is the same in us all is that GOD is constantly forgiving us the same way. With the way the world is going I think we have all seen our fair share of “soul trash.” It seems that we are constantly seeing hate fill the world. The good thing is we can control what we think and what we do. We will never be perfect, and we will never please everyone no matter how hard we try. I think that if we can do one nice thing for someone a day, or say one nice thing, or just one good deed, the world could become a better place. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, yet the one thing that is perfect is God, his love, and his forgives. Ask God to take your trash out of your life, and be renewed again.

Owner/Creator of AG MAG

In This Issue: 6. When Wheat Drilling is About More Than Wheat 8. AgrAbility 10. Texas Oyster Farming Outlook Good For 2021 and Beyond 12. Taking TEXAS Worldwide 16. How Raised-beds Improve Citrus Irrigation Efficiency 18. NRCS Announces 2021 Deadlines for Conservation Assistance Funding 20. The Texas Gulf Shrimp Diaries 22. RGV AGRICULTURE: Who Is The Farmer? 26. Chinese Commodity Demand Helping Lift Ag Prices 29. 4-H Food Challenge Photos 30. Diagnosing Common Lawn Problems 32. Deadly Amoeba in Texas Water Supply Raises Concerns 34. Propane Education & Research Council 37. A Letter From The Editor 44. UNITED WE STAND 46. Cotton and Grain Tournament 2020 47. FARM LIFE, FAMILY LIFE, BALANCE 2020 50. Fertilizer Considerations For The 2021 Cotton Crop 62. The Carrot Weevil: It Is Still Around 64. Whitney Larson 69. Farming Around The U.S. Cover Photo taken by Todd Westerfeld Year 7, Issue 38 November/December 2020. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ag Mag reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Ag Mag. Ag Mag is published bi-monthly ©2020. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org

The Carrot Weevil IT IS STILL AROUND BY JUAN R. ANCISO

Adult Carrot Weevil

carrot weevil, Listronotus texanus (Stockton), has been the key pest affecting carrot, parsley, root parsley, dill and fennel production in South Texas for the past seventy years. The feeding damage by the larvae can kill the young plants of these crops but really this stage makes the insect difficult to control since it is protected from foliar insecticides. While this insect can be quite devastating to these five crops, it is processing carrots that can have the most economic impact by this insect. The presence of larvae and feeding damage in the root are of major concern to carrot processors because of stringent FDA quality control of insect parts in processed food that can lead to loads of carrots being rejected. In addition to loads being rejected, yields can be greatly reduced in processing carrots as well as fresh market carrots, parsley, root parsley, dill and fennel. The cream-white larvae which are legless and relatively slow-moving have proven to be very 6

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difficult to control with insecticide sprays in the crown area and not controllable once in the roots. Once these larvae become pupae in the soil it is impossible to attain any level of chemical control. The adult stage is targeted for chemical control and this chemical application is based primarily on sampling for eggs as an action threshold as an indication that adult carrot weevils have moved into the field. The eggs are difficult to sample due to their pinhead size (1mm long by 0.5 mm wide) and color but still possible for a well trained scout. The coloration and behavior of adults makes them impractical for monitoring either by traps or visual inspection. Management programs from 1961 to 1989 were dependent on six insecticide applications on a calendar schedule specified in producer contracts. During the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the product often specified in producer contracts was Pydrin (fenvalerate). An iso-

Collaborative research with the Agriculture Canada determined that a small parasitic beneficial wasp (Anaphes sp.) first found in unsprayed carrot plots in South Texas can give up to 70% control of the carrot weevil. This parasitic beneficial wasp is even smaller than the carrot weevil egg in which it lays its egg into the carrot weevil egg. In field situations this beneficial wasp is probably most negatively impacted by synthetic pyrethroids like Asana rather than by Vydate and may explain the success of Vydate in effectively controlling the carrot weevil.

Carrot weevil larvae and damage to carrot root

mer of Pydrin eventually became Asana (esfenvalerate) which was the product that was used in the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for control. Studies were initiated to determine whether action thresholds were effective in comparison to calendar based sprays. Threshold applications of Asana (esfenvalerate) or Vydate (oxamyl) when first detecting carrot weevil eggs were as effective as calendar based sprays in research trials. This information was implemented into the Integrated Pest Management program for carrots and developed favorable producer acceptance because of its success in effectively controlling the carrot weevil and reducing insecticide applications from the six prescribed applications. However, as the program continued with action thresholds based on egg detections, fields that were treated only with Asana in comparison to Vydate continued to have problems in effectively controlling the carrot weevil.

Carrot weevil eggs can fit in the ear of FDR

Anaphes sp. a biological control agent (parasitic wasp) on a carrot weevil egg

Vydate has since been off and now back on the market for use in carrots and has had its list of labeled crops much reduced. Vydate is a very important chemical tool in the carrot IPM program in Texas where chemical control is complemented with the natural biological control for successful carrot weevil management. Texas carrot acreage has declined over the last 20 years with 7,100 acres in 1998; 2,400 acres in 2008; and 1,700 acres in 2018 which has mostly been located in South Texas. If the carrot industry is going to continue to be part of the vegetable landscape as well as those other crops affected by the carrot weevil, Integrated Pest Management programs as well as new chemical tools (Exirel-cyantraniliprole) will need to be tested, evaluated and labelled especially in the environment where chemical companies continue to merge with one another causing the splitting or divesting off effective chemical products needed on many minor specialty vegetable crops such as carrots.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

AgrAbility BY RACHEL JARMAN, Ohio AgrAbility MAKENZIE K.THOMAS, Texas AgrAbility

or many, farming is a way of life. A career many are born into and others are drawn to because of their love for the land, animals and independence of farm life. But what would you do if you were injured and are now living with a disabling condition, or if a lifetime of hard work has caught up with you? Who can help you continue farming if a disability or chronic condition is interfering with your productivity? AgrAbility can help. The mission of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. AgrAbility was started through the 1990 Farm bill and the first eight state projects were funded in 1991. Currently there are 20 USDA funded State projects and eight affiliate projects across the country. Most that have heard of AgrAbility instantly think of a farmer they may know who has a lift to help them into a tractor, or a track wheelchair, with its all-terrain capabilities to get across farm fields. The machines and assistive technology are the most eye-catching and visible elements of AgrAbility services, but there is much more to AgrAbility than lifts and Track chairs. There is a side of AgrAbility you may not know about; the side that helps educate and connect farmers and farm families with resources and ideas of how to make

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adaptations to their equipment and farms to reduce injuries and make farming safer for everyone. Many state AgrAbility projects can offer ideas for making equipment more adaptable to aching knees and sore backs by suggesting a different set of steps for the tractor or an air ride seat. Quick hitch attachments on wagons and extra handles for mounting and dismounting equipment are also lowcost suggestions that can keep farmers working. Please note that AgrAbility cannot purchase equipment or property or provide farmers with financial support. Staff members may make referrals to other organizations such as state vocational rehabilitations (VR) agencies, or local service or agricultural organizations, some of which may be able to provide financial assistance directly to farmers. Meet Kane, a 19-year-old, fifth generation farmer who found himself wondering how he would take over the family farm after falling from his tree stand while hunting in November of 2019. His hospital therapy staff told him to contact Ohio AgrAbility to see what assistive technology was available. The staff from the Ohio AgrAbility Project connected him with the state vocational rehabilitation agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, who provided assistance in the form of an action track standing wheelchair, a Life Essentials telescoping truck bed lift, and power doors on his shop. This assistive technology will allow Kane to scout his fields independently and safely get him into any tractor, combine or other piece of farm equipment he needs to operate. When asked about how the equipment

is helping, Kane said “It gives me my freedom back; I can fuel the machine, do a pre-check and work all day long.” Agriculture in Texas is vast and diverse, with farms and ranches covering 127 million acres. Nearly all Texas farms are family owned and operated and range from cattle to cotton to citrus production. With an estimated 50,000 farmers and ranchers living with a disabling condition, support for these rural communities is vital to the states agriculture sector. Military veterans also make up a large portion of the population, with many Texas veterans returning to rural areas with service-connected disabilities. AgrAbility in Texas focuses on addressing these issues by offering education and support not only to existing farmers and ranchers, but to military veterans wanting to start agriculture ventures. The project offers educational workshops and business planning assistance, along with equipment recommendations and tips to help mitigate injuries and return farmers to the field. Much like a good farm neighbor, covering such a large area would never be possible without partnerships and collaboration. Partnering with the Farmer Veteran Coalition, centers for independent living, and the state’s vocational rehabilitation agency allows AgrAbility to reach farmers and ranchers from the valley to the panhandle. Meet Damon, a 20 year Army veteran and vegetable producer in central Texas. He came to AgrAbility after an educational business planning workshop held in the Fort Hood area. Suffering back, neck, and a traumatic brain injury from military service, Damon was struggling to keep up with the high demands of his market vegetable farm. Planting crops, harvesting, and accessing the tractor were becoming more difficult, and it was affecting his bottom line. After an onsite farm assessment, staff with Texas AgrAbility connected him with the state’s vocational rehabilitation agency which provided a polyplanter, extended tractor steps, air ride tractor seat, backup camera, vegetable harvesting aid, an automatic watering system, and laptop/tablet for organizing business records. Damon was also connected with the Farmer Veteran Coalition where he received fellowship funds to purchase a planter for his tractor. Damon has now expanded his market garden an additional 5 acres, started selling nursery plants, and offers educational workshops for other veterans and beginning farmers and ranchers on his farm.

resources and online training information. If you live in a state that does not have a project, reach out to a neighboring state project. Many state projects have the ability to connect you to someone in your state who can help.

For more information about Texas AgrAbility, visit https://txagrability.tamu.edu/, or for more information on Ohio AgrAbility, visit https://agrability.osu.edu/.

Products purchased for farmers are determined on a case-by-case basis, through collaboration with the funding source (state VR agency or other source), AgrAbility staff and the farmer.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about AgrAbility visit www.agrability.org . There you can find a directory of all the state projects, the Toolbox Assistive Technology Database of different NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Commercial oyster aquaculture could be an economic ‘pearl’ for many Texas coastal communities. (Photo by K. Thompson/ Harte Research Institute)

BY PAUL SCHATTENBERG

Texas oyster farming ouTlook good for 2021 and beyond

Pieces coming together for sustainable production along the Gulf Coast

Mario Marquez will be assisting Texas oyster farmers with all aspects of commercial aquaculture. (Courtesy photo)

While 2020 has presented more than its fair share of challenges for most industries, experts from Texas A&M AgriLife and other institutions supporting the fledgling oyster farming industry along the Texas Gulf Coast are optimistic about the industry’s outlook for 2021 and beyond.

“Bringing sustainable commercial aquaculture to the Texas Gulf Coast will provide jobs and new economic opportunities for many coastal communities in the state,” said Juan Landivar, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi. “We have an opportunity to claim our portion of the commercial oyster industry by developing a quality product that is unique and distinctive from that produced in other Gulf states.”

Setting the stage for oyster farming in Texas

Getting the production pieces in place

Oyster aquaculture is a $200 million-plus industry in the U.S., but Texas was the last coastal state in the nation to allow commercial oyster aquaculture. It was the passage of two bills by the state legislature last year that made commercial oyster aquaculture a real possibility for Texas. The bills became law in September 2019. Since then, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has developed the rules and regulations related to oyster aquaculture in Texas.

Among the factors making oyster farming in the Texas Gulf a possibility is the work of Hugo Magaña, Ph.D., associate research scientist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory. Magaña has been able to create the conditions under which oysters can successfully spawn in a laboratory setting.

“One sure indication of the interest in and optimism for the industry is that several groups have applied for permits to grow oysters commercially on the Texas coast,” said Joe Fox, Ph.D., a former Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist who is now Marine Resource Chair with the Harte Research Institute, HRI, for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. “The permitting process is daunting but will likely become more streamlined as both regulatory agencies and operators become more familiar with the process and farming itself.” Fox, who has spent years working with legislative Fox, who has spent years working with legislative and business leaders to help bring this type of aquaculture to Texas, said many of the pieces are coming together to create a strong foundation for successful commercial oyster aquaculture.

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“The ability to get oysters to spawn in the lab will eliminate the need to collect oysters every year to produce larvae,” Magaña said. “These oysters can be retained over their lifespan and produce year after year, providing a reliable supply for the commercial aquaculture industry.” The lab will produce oyster seed for commercial growers and work on oyster genetics, including developing oyster lines that are well-suited to the unique environmental conditions along the Texas coast. “We’re currently developing the capacity to spawn and grow oysters in a hatchery setting at our mariculture laboratory facility in Flour Bluff,” said Chris Hollenbeck, Ph.D., AgriLife Research lead scientist at the Flour Bluff laboratory facility. “We’re also starting to lay the groundwork for a selective breeding program, which will allow us to produce oysters with superior traits for the industry.” A Chancellor’s Research Initiative grant through The Texas A&M University System is helping provide funding for Magaña,

Oysters being conditioned to spawn in a laboratory setting at the Texas A&M Agri-Life Research Mariculture Laboratory. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

while maintaining the integrity of the coastal environment. To help further develop the industry, funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is being used for an oyster farming evaluation project in Matagorda Bay.

Building a better oyster

Hollenbeck and others to develop this breeding program. The program’s objective will be to improve not only biological traits such as salinity tolerance and disease resistance, but also address how to breed oysters with certain sensory and/or nutritional qualities that will appeal to the consumer.

Moving the industry forward As Texas does not yet have a commercial hatchery for the production of juvenile or seed oysters for aquaculture, the research being done at the mariculture lab and through an AgriLife Research partnership with HRI in the Oyster Resource and Recovery Center will be vital to developing and sustaining the industry. Some goals of the resource and recovery center include:

• Providing larvae and spat for commercial oyster farmers along the Texas coast. • Partnering with academic and research institutions, agencies and the aquaculture industry to develop new critical oyster reef habitat. • Bolstering the economic resilience of coastal communities and stabilize long-term oyster stocks. • Promoting responsible stewardship of the Gulf Coast environment and resources through education and outreach. The center will produce organisms for local aquaculture and restoration efforts and provide a source of replacement oysters for those affected by catastrophic events. It will also be involved in educating producers about environmentally sustainable production and harvesting methods. Additionally, HRI and the Ed Rachal Foundation have teamed up to develop hatcheries for conservation, workforce development and seed production to help jumpstart the industry, including the development of the non-profit organization Palacios Marine Agricultural Research, PMAR. “HRI is currently engaged in several research projects related to oyster aquaculture and conservation of reefs, the nexus of which is a new area of research known as conservation aquaculture,” Fox said. “We are actively working with AgriLife Extension and Texas Sea Grant to promote oyster aquaculture in Texas.” The goal is to create a sustainable commercial aquaculture industry, which can develop seed oysters in hatcheries, grow them in a reliable, protected environment and then harvest when ready — all

Marco Palma, Ph.D., director of the Human Behavior Laboratory in Bryan-College Station, part of Texas A&M AgriLife, said for the Texas oyster industry to flourish, it must develop oysters that are different or unique and also add value for the consumer with regards to taste and nutritional value. Texas has until 2027 to develop its own line of tetraploid oysters for creation of the type of triploid oysters commonly used in other states. Commercial production of triploid oysters, which are known for their sterility and superior performance, is achieved by crossing individuals with different numbers of chromosomes in a manner similar to the way seedless watermelon or bananas are produced. Regular oysters, called diploids, contain 20 chromosomes. Crossing diploid oysters with tetraploid oysters with 40 chromosomes produces triploids with 30 chromosomes. Triploids are ideal for commercial production, and the development of viable tetraploid oysters is the key to this process. The development of these oysters would likely be a major joint research effort between PMAR/HRI and AgriLife Research. The Texas aquaculture industry is currently focusing its efforts on producing and breeding oysters from native breeding stock in the waters of the Texas Gulf Coast for the premium or ‘boutique’ halfshell market.

Supporting the oyster farmer “Through the Texas Sea Grant and the six AgriLife Extension agents who live and work along our Gulf Coast, we are supporting efforts to understand and utilize coastal and marine resources, including the implementation of oyster farming,” said Cindy Lyle, senior associate director and AgriLife Extension leader, Texas Sea Grant, Bryan-College Station. Lyle serves as the partnership liaison between Texas Sea Grant and the six shared AgriLife Extension marine agents. Lyle said the recent hiring of Mario Marquez as a Texas Sea Grant aquaculture specialist based in Palacios will be a great help in facilitating the development of the commercial aquaculture industry. “Oyster farmers will need assistance navigating the permitting process as well as launching and growing their businesses, and Mario’s expertise will be immensely helpful in this process and beyond,” she said. Marquez said he is also working on a website specific to oyster mariculture that will provide information, resources, technical advice and guidance on the permitting process and operating an oyster farm. It will also contain lists of suppliers and potential buyers and of agencies and academic institutions that can provide further information or assistance. He said the commercial oyster industry in coastal states had been on the rebound and will continue to grow after more restaurants serving half-shell oysters are able to fully reopen. “When you think about it, the opportunities in the Texas commercial oyster aquaculture industry are similar to those of the microbrewery industry,” he said. “People are willing to pay a little more for a quality product with a unique taste profile. And it also helps if the product is produced locally and has a good ‘story’ to go with it. I think producing premium half-shell oysters specific to certain areas of the Texas Gulf Coast will make a both a great experience and story for the consumer.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Taking Texas Worldwide BY JEAN LONIE

ver the course of this year, we’ve all likely found our selves trying to find new ways to accomplish things that used to be “normal.” Whether these are work tasks or chores and activities around the house, everyone has had their moments of having to be creative to get things done. It’s no different here at the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Each year these foreign agricultural attachés are invited to participate in a week-long tour and a chance to go out in the field to explore what the host state has to offer. In 2020, Texas was going to be that state. I think you can figure out what happened. But, just like with the State Fair challenge, we had the chance to regroup, get some ideas together, and come up with a way that we could still help promote Texas agriculture to these important trade leaders.

When the State Fair of Texas was cancelled, the team here switched gears and took our GO TEXAN pavilion online. While everyone on our team was sad to not get the chance to promote our GO TEXAN partners in person, now we are able to ship their products across the country through the shop.GOTEXAN.org site. (Hint – check the site out for some holiday gift ideas!) So, despite the disappointment, State Fair being cancelled gave us the chance to launch a great opportunity to promote GO TEXAN partners and products to a bigger audience.

We worked with our partners as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service and found a way to host a virtual roundtable to promote the Lone Star State. And we recruited some outstanding Texas farmers and ranchers to tell their stories – covering the beef, cotton, pecans, citrus sectors – and help bring our great state to life. We even had an amazing video done by our friends at the Ag Mag to showcase Texas agriculture and how important the industry is to our local communities and economy, as well as what we have to offer to consumers around the world. A special note for everyone living in the Valley, we were excited to have Michelle Martin participate in the session to help promote agricultural communications and outreach, along with Dale Murden, head of Texas Citrus Mutual, to talk about the Texas grapefruit sector.

Looking beyond our borders, we were also working on a big global tour focused on showcasing Texas agriculture to potential trade partners. Most countries with embassies in the United States (more than 175 in total) have someone there whose focus is on agriculture and agricultural issues – which is a great reminder that no matter where you live, agriculture is critical!

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While nothing can ever compare to being here in person, thanks to a big group effort we brought a bit of the

magic of Texas (and a lot of our state pride) to more than 80 potential partners from almost 50 countries. And we have tentative plans to host the group in person in 2021.

And as we continue to work to support our agricultural producers and agribusinesses by getting them into new countries and new markets, there are two lessons I learned recently.

Beyond the virtual meeting and the 2021 tour, we now have a number of new contacts to work with when promoting and exporting Texas agriculture products, food, and beverages around the world. And, in truth, we got to reach a whole lot more of the trade representatives virtually than we would have if we only hosted the tour. We hope to get our new global friends here (and down in the Valley) next year, but until then we have lots of follow-up to do as we try to bolster our agricultural community and economy through extended trade and international outreach.

“How we always did it” doesn’t have to be how we always do it, and... It takes a great team to take Texas worldwide. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

NOVEL CITRUS IRRIGATION:

“How Raised-beds Improve Citrus Irrigation Efficiency” BY LUCAS GREGORY

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he Texas A&M Kingsville has devel oped a new video that describes a novel citrus irrigation approach that integrates multiple techniques into a planting and irrigation design ripe with plant health, yield, economic, and water conservation benefits for the producer. The new approach can be custom designed to best fit any citrus irrigation scenario and combines planting trees on raised beds and integrating permeable plastic tarping to cover the beds and drip irrigation atop the beds and under the tarp combines for a high efficiency means to enhance irrigation efficiency in new citrus groves. The primary benefit of this approach is saving precious irrigation water, but other benefits for growers include decreased disease and pest issues and better average yields and quality in the crop produced. In traditional flood irrigation settings, the combination of planting citrus trees on a raised bed with permeable plastic tarp provides benefits to the crop by elevating the tree and keeping irrigation water off of the tree’s trunk. This can reduce disease transference and potentially yield increased production. Side by side trials shown in the video demonstrate noticeable difference in tree vigor and production between flood irrigated raised bed trees with and without permeable plastic tarp. Jose Silva, general manager of Edinburg Citrus Grove Care, discussed the importance of permeable plastic tarp for weed suppression advantage over plantings without tarping, thus reducing water use, competition for nutrient resources and grower costs for weed control. Integrating drip irrigation into the raised bed plantings with permeable plastic tarp has also proven effective in more ways than one. Growers that have implemented this approach have reported water savings of 25 - 35% compared to drip irrigated trees without permeable plastic tarp. An additional benefit of drip irrigation is that the grower has better control when water, and also nutrients, pesticides or other applied products, are delivered to the trees all with a lower water application than traditional flood irrigation.

when south Texas is susceptible to hurricanes or heavy rainfall events. The drip irrigated orchards result in lower localized water tables than flood irrigated orchards, which in turn produces less risk to the orchard from long standing water in the field after storm events. Although drip irrigation combined with raised beds and permeable plastic tarp is an increased capital investment upfront, the many benefits it provides usually offset these costs in the long run. Weed control, irrigation water savings, and lower labor costs combined with commonly realized fruit yield and quality increases factor into the positive economic benefits that the grower can expect if they are considering this novel planting design for new citrus groves. Adoption of this new raised-bed with permeable plastic tarp planting design by growers is occurring rapidly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for those investing in new citrus orchards. Dr. Shad Nelson, professor and dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M Kingsville said, “raised-bed with permeable plastic tarp planting concept is adaptable to other orchard species as well, and has potential to greatly minimize weed and disease pressures, and enhance water savings and fruit production in other crops like pecans, olives, avocadoes, and other fruit and nut trees.” The video was produced as part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Irrigation Education and Outreach program and the Development of a Novel Planting Design and Irrigation Strategy for Water Use Efficiency and Conservation in Citrus project, both funded by grants from the Texas Water Development Board.

The video titled “How Raised-beds Improve Citrus Irrigation Efficiency” is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xknybLF1JkE

Jud Flowers, owner and manager of Lone Star Citrus Growers in Mission noted another benefit of drip irrigated, raised-bed elevated trees during summer month

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

N RCS Announces 2021 Deadlines for Conservation Assistance Funding The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas has announced the first funding application deadline of December 4, 2020, for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A second funding application deadline will be February 12, 2021. Applications are taken year around for NRCS programs, but deadlines are announced to rank and fund eligible conservation projects. Producers interested in signing up for EQIP should submit applications to their local USDA service center. If already a USDA client, a producer can submit applications online via Farmers.gov. Â EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. Technical assistance is provided without a fee from NRCS specialists to help landowners and land managers plan and implement conservation practices to help them meet their land management goals, address natural resource concerns and improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. For additional information visit the NRCS Texas website at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov. Applications for EQIP are accepted on a continuous basis. Producers interested in EQIP can contact their local USDA service center or visit our NRCS EQIP web page.

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f l u G s a T he Tex Shrimp Diaries :

HANCE BY ANDREA

Through the Eyes of a Texas Gulf Shrimp!

grew up along the Texas coast in clean estuaries, bays and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico - helping solidify my Lone Star geographic claim. What am I? Well, I am the Texas Gulf shrimp on your plate!! In fact, I have always dreamed of this day and I am grilled (pardon me, thrilled) to be here - Hello drawn butter, you complete me!

But before my journey ends, let me tell you how it began. For generations, Texas coastal families have earned a living by trawling for Gulf shrimp like me. In fact, I have a wild side and am considered (by my marine life peers) to be a renewable, natural resource – thanks Texas shrimpers for trawling so responsibly. While being pursued and harvested may seem like a dreadful thing - to me, it is the highest form of coastal flattery. In fact, we (shrimp and shrimpers) depend on one another to sustain a balanced eco-system for future generations to enjoy. While its true that I have millions of jumpy siblings ready to be plated, many anxious consumers might be forced to wait or choose other seafood options. Why? Because shrimpers who depend on Texas Gulf Shrimp are struggling with mountains of red tape, endless regulations, and a saturated seafood market flooded with imported shrimp. And did you know that most imported shrimp goes unregu-

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lated and is chemically engineered? It comes from faraway lands, usually unrefrigerated and continues to pour into our culinary pipelines from countries more than 5000 miles away. Can you imagine swimming that far, seriously? As I sit perched on this shiny Weber Grill, I consider myself to be one lucky crustacean. But before I fire up someone’s appetite, do me a ‘flavor’. Spread the word about Texas Gulf shrimp, buy local and thank a Texas shrimper for all his hard work. Remember, whether we are Deep Fried, Blackened, Pan Fried, Boiled, Grilled or Sautéed – Texas shrimp have culinary dreams too! Thanks for making mine come true!

Texas Shrimp Diary:

Reality Check

While this story was written in fun, most of the content in this fictional entry is true. Think about it, do you really know what you are eating or what is being served to you when you dine or carry out? Think about this. ~ Is the $50.00 Gulf Red Snapper menu item truly red snapper? Statistically a cheaper, inferior fish is passed off to consumers approximately 70% of the time.

~ Was your ‘Gulf’ shrimp harvested in Texas waters or Gulf of China? Approximately 85% of the time, American gulf shrimp is passed off as imported shrimp – even along the coast. ~ Would you order an Artic Patagonian Toothfish for dinner, probably not. But Chilean Sea Bass – absolutely! Guess what people, they are the same thing. ~ How about a Grilled Lemon-Caper ‘Slime Head’ – of course not. But Orange Roughy – You bet. And, yes, one in the same!

Lone Star State, you are buying more than a delicious nutritious meal — you are investing in a way of life. You are also supporting thousands of Texas fishermen who brave the waters of the Gulf each year to feed their families and put the freshest products on the market and on your table. In terms of the environment. Texas shrimpers, along with state and federal agencies, university systems and industry partners, carefully monitor the shrimp supply to prevent overfishing. Together, everyone works in sync to ensure that this safe, sustainable resource remains an abundant part of our waters for decades to come.

I could illustrate many examples but its amazing to learn that most seafood is subject to ‘name - testing’ that leads to a name that consumers believe to be of higher quality thus a higher price. In, Texas, we are lucky that the Gulf shrimp caught here is sustainably trawled and managed the right way. Texans expect the best and finest agriculture products in the world. In fact, we demand them. No one here would ever consider buying or eating shrimp that would cause health risks to their families but that’s what you get with unregulated, imported shrimp that continues to damage our culinary highways.

Imported, farm-raised shrimp comes complete with pesticides, residues, antibiotics, or several dangerous pathogens like E. coli – no thank you. Think about this, some of those foreign ponds have been known to stock more than 89,000 pounds of shrimp per acre which is unfathomable but true. Bottom line - stick to Texas Gulf shrimp, it is the best and safest consumer option around.

Food for Thought: When shopping, don’t get fooled by clever marketing disguises, smart consumers are entitled to ask more questions, including what kind of shrimp or seafood it is, was it caught naturally or is it farm-raised and how much it is. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, when you choose wild-caught shrimp from the

A message from Andrea Hance, Executive Director at the Texas Shrimp Association (TSA). TSA is urging consumers to contact their state and federal representatives to demand more transparency in menu labeling laws and stop the flood of potentially harmful imported shrimp. For now, we continue shrimping with the faith that the American consumer will not only choose Gulf Shrimp (product of USA) over a foreign imported farm raised shrimp, but more importantly, will exercise their right to demand to know the origin of the shrimp! Lastly, TSA is asking for your monetary support by joining our organization so we can unite and continue our lobbying efforts to enforce some form of menu transparency - that, if successful, would save an industry that represents the economic backbone of coastal communities along the entire Texas coast. Membership information can be found on our website www.TexasShrimpAssociation.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

BY KATHRYN BRADY

Rio Grande Valley

Agriculture: Who is the farmer?

hat is agriculture without the laborer? The one who spends his time under the blazing sun with hands toiling in the soil day after day.

The Rio Grande Valley; oft-times known as the Magic Valley because of its rich earth and year-round, productive growing season is home to many such laborers, with an agricultural history just as rich as the land itself. Laborers; no matter what the industry are the foundation of our society. Latinos have been a part of that foundation as far as back as the written history of south Texas goes. And they deserve recognition. 22

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From the beginning of European discovery and settlement in Texas; agriculture has been the cornerstone of the Texas economy and way of life. Prior to the arrival of Europeans the Native American populations throughout most of Texas were hunter gatherers. After Europeans landed and began to establish settlements, some forms of agriculture, such as raising maize, were introduced to the natives. Indeed, many of the terms used in Texas ranching today are derived from Spanish. In fact, the name ranch itself is taken from the Spanish word Rancho which denotes the or headquarters of the ranchero. A lariat is originally le reata or the rope. Lasso from the Spanish lazo or loose noose or bond. Corral an enclosure or pen for horses and cattle from currale or enclosure for

carts. And Vaquero or cowboy. As you can tell too, many of the very practices of being a cowboy come from the Spanish and Mexican vaqueros. Settlers from the colonies later crossed the Rio Grande and settled the northern banks of the river. This land seemed to be suitable for cattle and sheep raising; so, ranching became a great success in what is now Hidalgo and Starr Counties. in 1749 José de Escandón was assigned the task of colonizing the area. As a consequence of the colonization effort two communities were founded south of the Rio Grande across from the future Starr County. Later the settlers in those towns moved across the river. The grantees found the land suitable for cattle and sheep raising and were also successful at settling the area. Ten land grants and seventy-one porciones were issued between 1749 and 1846 by the Spanish and Mexican governments in the northern and northeastern parts of what later became Starr County. Like the rest of the Rio Grande valley, the area’s economy was based on cattle and sheep ranching during the Spanish colonial and Mexican periods. Historic ranches such as Tomas Sanchez de la Barrera y Garza, Anotonio Gil Ibarvo and Martin de Leon. In the late 1800’s early 1900’s campaigns were launched to promote the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden Regions of Texas. With mild winters and available irrigation water from the Rio Grande, the area became one of the state’s most prolific farm sections. The cirus industry in Hidalgo and Willacy Counties was launched around 1910. Vegetable farming also became popular throughout the

valley along with cotton and sorghum. Populations and agriculture continue to grow throughout south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley as fruits, vegetables, cotton, corn, sorghum, and sugar cane remain the staple crops as well as, hay production and large cattle ranches. When the Mexican-American War concluded in 1848, those living in the Rio Grande Valley suddenly found themselves on the US side of the border. Most received US citizenship and decided to stay. By the late 1880s, more than 80% of the population of the Valley—which by then had become a four-county region in South Texas—still identified as “Mexicans” on the US census. They retained the small plots of land that they’d received through Spanish land grants and passed them on from generation to the next and while they paid taxes in US dollars, the region continued to be thoroughly dominated by Mexican culture. Trade still routinely took place in pesos and Spanish was the common tongue. But by 1920, the region had undergone a dramatic transformation. Traditional ranching all but ended and largescale commercial farming began to take hold. Today, the Valley’s population is about 90% Latino, but the vast majority of farmland—and as a result, water—is still controlled by Anglos. (Sadasivam, 2018) As of the 2010 census 90.6% of Hidalgo County’s population in Latino. And as of 2017 according to the Census of Agriculture 2,952 producers identify as either Hispanic or Latino. As agriculture is life the farmers and the farm workers are the lifeblood of the region, the state and the nation. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Chinese Commodity Demand Helping Lift Ag Prices

A BY JOHN MILLER

s recently as July, farmers here and across the US were anticipating a prolonged period of low commodity prices given the perfect nature of US crops, a generally well-balanced world agricultural supply and demand situation, lingering negative Covid19 effects on the economy, and uncertain trade relations with China. Since that time, we have seen some deterioration in US and world crop conditions. An expanding drought across the US Western Plains coupled with a very active and sometimes destructive hurricane season (think valley cotton) rapidly reduced national estimates of plenty to one of supplies tight enough to warrant higher prices. In addition, too-dry conditions for a good start to both wheat across Eastern Europe and soybeans across South America only added to the growing sentiment that 2020 global supplies would end up being well below expectations. Evidence was also growing that governments worldwide were starting to relax Covid19 restrictions on travel as both gasoline and ethanol demand began recovering, reaching more than 80 percent of pre-Covid19 levels by summers end. Using corn futures as our guide, you can see from the chart below that even though these market-friendly stories were developing throughout the summer, prices remained at historically low levels until late September. Part of the reason for the subdued price reaction is that up to this point the marketplace was dealing with a mostly supply-side phenomenon that would take time to fully understand. For example, with the Midwest harvest and South American planting season both months away, weather could turn more favorable. Therefore, speculators were reluctant to lean heavily into ownership. What changed during September that led to the abrupt price increase you see happening across the month of October? This answer relates to a sudden and significant increase in the demand for US commodities by China. This unexpected demand from a country that we were not sure would try to meet the terms of the most recent US-China trade agreement helped add an important demand side feature to other concerns in the agricultural marketplace. The concerning supply side issues getting reinforced by unexpected demand ultimately grabbed the attention of the speculative community and led to corn prices exceeding $4.00.

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Let us continue to look at corn to get a sense of where we are versus last year. From the chart titled “Weekly US Corn Export Sales”, you can see from the dark blue line that this past weeks sales of over 100 million bushels far exceeds the 20 million bushels sold this same week last year. Even when you consider that 2019 export sales were very low due to the US-China trade dispute, it is hard not to be impressed when 2020 is compared to the 5-year average range shaded in blue. It is true that some of our traditional customers like Mexico have increased purchases of late, but is has been the 15 million metric tons of unexpected corn purchases from China so far this year that have captured the imagination of speculators. The export numbers are even more dramatic with looking at soybeans. The “US Soybean Export Sales to China” chart shows that by October 22nd of this year Chinese firms had already purchased upwards of 26 million metric tons of soybeans, far surpassing the entirety of the past two years and almost matching the entirety of 2017. It is likely that by years end, Chinese purchases of US soybeans could set a record and help draw down US excess supply to rationing levels. After suffering from the hog herd reducing affects of the African Swine Fever since 2018, and a fall off of consumer demand due to Covid19, China is working overtime to rebuild their hog herd in anticipation of a post-Covid19 marketplace that is expected to include sharp increases in consumer demand, especially for pork and the soybean oil used for cooking. In addition to greater US corn and soybean sales, sorghum has also seen a sharp increase in exports to China. From the “US Milo Export Sales Progress” chart, you can see how the weekly sorghum export sales since the beginning of the marketing year in September has far exceeded the 2019 sales pace, and the USDA projected pace for the current year. The cumulative weekly sales of almost

150 million bushels has pushed sorghum prices at major Gulf ports to $11 per hundredweight or more which is a level not seen in several years. As the “Top 10 Marketing Year to Date” chart shows, just over 100 million metric tons, or nearly 75 percent of the total, was purchased by China. This represents an amazing recovery from a year ago and reminds us of the strong Chinese purchase of sorghum from the 2013 to 2015 period.

US Dollar has fallen, making our products more affordable from that standpoint as well. And all indications are that current economic and political conditions between the US and China favor a continuation of the current sorghum trade into next year. This would be great news for valley and US sorghum growers and allow them to have greater planting flexibility headed into the new year. And corn will still play an important role since Mexico has become an even more

important market for valley and US corn. The next market to tackle is cotton. China has rebounded to some extent, having (surprisingly) purchased up to 2 million bales of the current US cotton crop with expectation for more sales given the indicated need for adding better quality to their inventory. The global commodity marketplace seems to be adjusting and further preparing to deal with more equitable trade relationships, and post-Covid19 recovery measures that should help world trade, especially once a Covid19 vaccine is available.

When the planting of the valley sorghum crop just around the corner in February, one wonders if the Chinese buyers will be as strong of a sorghum buyer again for the 2021 crop. If the Chinese market softens, other users such as Mexico would replace some of that demand. However, experience has shown us that non-china users will not pay a premium for sorghum over the price of corn. The fact that the Chinese government heavily subsidizes their local corn prices coupled with the lack of sorghum suppliers there helps create the opportunity for US sorghum to be utilized at premium prices whether supplying a feeder market, or the Baijiu (distilled liquor) processing market. It has not hurt that China relaxed import tariffs on US commodities under the Phase One agreement and the

Fortunately, valley farmers are very good at growing crops that are readily used in close-by markets such and Mexico and broader Latin-American, and faraway places such as China. If we are fortunate enough to have favorable weather on our crops next spring and summer, 2021 could provide some of the better overall opportunities seen in some time. (John Miller is the founder and owner of Southwest Ag Consulting that provides individualized risk management consulting services to farmers and ranchers across the south plains.)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Hidalgo County farmer DIRECTS america’s farmers grow communities donation To BORDERLINE 4-H Club • The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to provide grants to local non profits to help their communities. • Through the program, farmers enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization of their choice. • The America’s Farmers programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010. Weslaco, Texas October 7, 2020 – Local farmer Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Bradford recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to Borderline 4-H Club. Borderline 4-H Club will use the funds to support and enhance club membership and provide financial support to member’s various 4-H projects. Borderline 4-H Club President, Emily Cortez, stated, “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, on behalf of Borderline 4-H. This incredibly generous financial donation will further support our members with their various livestock and Ag Ed projects.” Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes. The Grow Communities program partners with farmers across the country to provide nonprofit organizations with resources to strengthen their local communities. Each August, farmers can enter for the chance to direct a $2,500 Grow Communities donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice. Farmers have directed donations to food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others that reflect the spirit and support the vibrancy of rural America. “Farmers truly understand the needs of their communities and where the opportunities to strengthen them exist. We partner with them to identify the nonprofit organizations that benefit from Grow Communities donations,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Each donation shines a light on the

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organizations that are making a positive difference in rural communities across the country. Bayer Fund is proud to partner with farmers to give back in rural America.” To learn how you can be an America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities 2021 program will kick off on August 1, 2020, and farmers will once again have the opportunity to enroll for a chance to direct a donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice.

About America’s Farmers America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010 and include:

• America’s Farmers Grow Communities supports rural communities by allowing farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local nonprofit organization. • America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by providing $15,000 merit-based grants to enhance STEM education. • America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders supports students pursuing ag-related studies by offering $1,500 scholarships towards higher education.

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com.

About Bayer Fund Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.

4-H

Food Challenge Photos

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Diagnosing Common Lawn Problems BY PLANT & SOIL LABS

St. Augustine grass, known for its beautiful, lush green look, is one of the most prominent turfgrasses in the South. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to several common diseases and pests, making it a challenging turfgrass to manage.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of St. Augustine grass: Advantages: • Moderate level of maintenance and mowing •A carpet-like surface that competes well against weeds and other grasses •Does well in full sun and shade •Tolerates heat and humidity •Well-suited for coastal areas due to tolerance of salty conditions

Disadvantages: •Not as hardy to cold weather, so it’s restricted to areas with mild winters •Vulnerable to drought and requires supplemental irrigation •Needs routine applications of fertilizer •Does not handle high traffic as well as some other sod types •High susceptibility to disease and pests

Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) - is a

destructive fungus that affects all types of turfgrass. A summer disease, it is usually triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity. Circular patterns of dead grass blades, with new leaves sometimes emerging in the patch’s center, giving it a donut-shaped appearance. Brown patch thrives in lawns with excessive thatch (healthy soils do not have thatch).

Some situations that make Brown Patch worse include:

watering your lawn late in the day and over-fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers. When you irrigate, water early in the morning to allow enough time for your lawn to dry out during the day; avoid leaving your lawn wet overnight.

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Take-All Patch most commonly affects lawns during the fall and through spring due to abundant moisture and cooler temperatures, but dieback symptoms most often appear in the hot days of summer. Unfortunately, there is no effective fungicide for Take-All Patch available to homeowners. The best option is to improve soil health and to avoid stressing your lawn. Good turf management includes maintaining adequate soil drainage, avoiding over-fertilization, raising the mowing height on your mower, and avoiding the use of broadleaf herbicides during the summer months as they may weaken turfgrasses. Some folks have had success combating this disease by using beneficial soil bacteria. Bacterial soil inoculants that contain Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces griseus are most effective.

Differences between Take-All Patch and Brown Patch. Take-All Patch Brown Patch Dead runners and roots Dead leaves Irregularly shaped areas of dead grass Circular patches of dead grass Appears during cooler months Appears in the hotter months Not killed by fungicides Can be treated with propiconazole Both Brown Patch and Take-All Patch are spread by infected equipment. Taking precautions to clean and sanitize your equipment is recommended. Finally, maintaining a healthy lawn is the best way to avoid any of these problems. Creating healthy soil to a depth of at least 6 inches can be done at planting by incorporating several inches of quality compost and annual maintenance. Applications of beneficial soil inoculants can also achieve good results. Aerate your lawn once a year if compaction issues are still a problem. Applying soil inoculants periodically throughout the year will also help reduce compaction issues. It is highly recommended that you feed the beneficial bacteria in your soil by adding carbon sources such as humic/fulvic acids, molasses, and amino acids. Irrigating efficiently (water in the morning, wet soil to a depth of 4-6 inches, and allow the soil to dry out between irrigations) will promote better aerobic conditions. Mow properly, taking no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade off with each mowing. And finally, test your soil yearly to determine which nutrients are lacking before deciding how much to fertilize. Testing also helps you choose the appropriate fertilizer so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over-apply unnecessary nutrients. One last tip is to spoon-feed your lawn. To get the most benefit for your fertilizer, opt for organic fertilizers that naturally release more slowly. Doing so will result in less water use, less mowing, fewer weeds and disease, and reduced insect pressure. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Working with area stakeholders and others, Texas A&M AgriLife programs help preserve and improve water resources statewide. (Texas Water Resources Institute photo)

BY PAUL SCHATTENBERG

Deadly amoeba in Texas water supply raises concerns Texas A&M AgriLife experts say state’s water supply is good and its programs are helping statewide The recent discovery of a deadly amoeba in the water supply of Lake Jackson, the subsequent issuance of a boil order for that town, and a declaration of disaster for Brazoria County by Gov. Greg Abbott raised concerns about the state’s water quality. Texas A&M AgriLife experts say that while dangerous substances and organisms can occur in the environment, the overall quality of the state’s water supply is good, and that drinking water treatment plants in the U.S. routinely produce some of the safest drinking water in the world. However, these systems are not perfect, and contaminants sometimes make it into the water distribution system.

Amoeba and other concerns “The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is a natural part of many freshwater ecosystems,” explained Terry Gentry, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research professor of soil and aquatic microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Bryan-College Station. “There are generally a handful of human infections from the amoeba each year in the U.S., and sadly these are nearly always fatal.” Gentry said transmission most typically occurs as a result of recreation in freshwater, but there are also cases where infection has occurred through contaminated tap water. But infection from Nagleria

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fowleri only occurs when the amoeba moves into the nasal cavity. “Generally speaking, both groundwater and surface water quality in Texas are good and, when used for drinking water, are readily treated to meet Texas Public Drinking Water Standards,” said Lucas Gregory, Ph.D., assistant director of the Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, Bryan-College Station. TWRI helps solve state water issues by providing science-based, community-supported solutions as a unit of AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of the Texas A&M University System. “Water in the environment naturally contains some substances that are undesirable and may be present in concentrations that make it unsuitable for safe human consumption,” he said. And, while modern drinking water treatment processes and technologies do an excellent job of removing or neutralizing contaminants, Gregory said, changes in source water quality or a failure in one or more components in a treatment system can cause treatment effectiveness issues. “Pollution events also pose challenges for water treatment plants, but source water quality monitoring provides critical information to plant operators allowing them to appropriately treat water or issue con-

sumption notices to the public when necessary,” he said. This is especially true during and after catastrophic events such as floods when source water quality can drastically change, mechanical treatment systems can sustain damage and contamination may occur within the distribution system, Gregory noted.

Dr. Lucas Gregory, on left near water, presents to a group at a Texas Watershed Planning Short Course. (Texas Water Resources Institute photo by Nikki Dictson)

“Among our institute’s goals is to help landowners identify ways to conserve and manage their natural resources,” said NRI director Roel Lopez, San Antonio. “We provide information on land use trends and opportunities such as conservation easements that will increase landowner awareness of the overarching issues related to water resources and some mutually beneficial practices for conserving those resources and maintaining their quality.” For Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs, educational and water screening opportunities are offered through the Texas Well Owner Network, TWON, funded by TSSWCB, said Joel Pigg, AgriLife Extension program coordinator for TWON. The TWRI and Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences work together to the program. “Private well owners are responsible for all aspects of ensuring their drinking water system is safe, including system inspection, testing and maintaining water quality, Pigg said. “They are also at greater risk than normal for exposure to compromised water quality due to flooding and other factors.” He said private well owners can benefit from the TWON program’s half-day ‘Well Educated’ program and one-hour ‘Well Informed’ program. The program also provides fact sheets and other publications to help them better understand and care for their wells. “Program participants can also bring samples of their own well water to trainings in their area to be tested for nitrates, dissolved solids and bacteria,” Pigg said.

Stakeholder involvement helps ensure water supply quality and management TWRI works to improve environmental water quality by engaging local stakeholders in the development of a watershed protection plan. They help identify contamination sources and work to develop management and restoration strategies to mitigate adverse effects from these sources. “Engaging watershed stakeholders during plan development is critical,” he said. “It ensures stakeholder concerns are identified and being addressed, needed technical and financial resources are identified, and solutions to manage identified problems are chosen by those stakeholders.” TWRI works with AgriLife Extension county agents to deliver its water programs to stakeholders. Anyone interested in learning of efforts to protect water resources are underway in their area should reach out to their local AgriLife Extension county agent. Stakeholders can also get involved in the Texas Watershed Steward, or TWS, program, which provides them the opportunity to help with planning and implementing water resource management and protection programs for their area watershed. The TWS program is implemented through a partnership between AgriLife Extension and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, or TSSWCB. Texas Watershed Stewards learn about the nature and function of watersheds, potential impairments and strategies for watershed protection. The program is open to all watershed residents, including homeowners, business owners, agricultural producers, decision-makers, community leaders and other citizens. “TWS provides these stakeholders with science-based, watershed education to help citizens identify and take action to address local water quality impairments,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the program, Bryan-College Station. “Active public participation in local watershed management efforts is critical in addressing local water quality problems and concerns.” Another important aspect of managing water supply quality is land management decisions, and landowners can get insights on how to preserve and protect these resources through the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, or NRI.

Expanding statewide efforts Helping ensure water quality is also an objective of a new statewide coordination of water research and extension efforts for Texas A&M. A series of efforts are underway across The Texas A&M University System to improve the effectiveness of water programs in Texas and beyond. Texas A&M AgriLife will work to bring together water resource expertise across the Texas to create a collaborative network capable of preparing for and responding to the state’s water challenges. In this comprehensive effort, AgriLife will coordinate with West Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Stephenville, Texas A&M University School of Law and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension efforts will be directed toward scientific and social investigations and statewide educational outreach.

Volunteers pick up debris during a watershed area clean-up event. (Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Partnership photo)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Propane Education & Research Council PERC Partners with Social Media Educators to Support 4-H, Promote the Future of Propane in Agriculture Propane Council sponsors contest to raise funds for the national 4-H organization and help the next generation of farmers learn more about versatile, sustainable propane. WASHINGTON (October 2020) – The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is partnering with social media educators to promote the use of propane as a clean energy source on the farm for a variety of applications, as well as raise funds for the national 4-H organization through a user-generated contest. By partnering with ag educators The Wendt Group, Brandi Buzzard, The Shark Farmer, and CropQueenMarcia, PERC hopes to help educate its audience of the many benefits of propane—including reduced emissions, reliability, convenience, and cost savings—while raising funds for 4-H. “It’s important to support youth leadership, especially in agriculture,” said Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Social Media Educator. “If we want to continue to see agriculture evolve and be sustainable for the next 50 34

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years, we have to take steps now to build up and support kids who are passionate about agriculture. Partnering with PERC is one way to do that while also providing valuable information about clean, alternative fuel sources that can help agriculture be more sustainable.” Each educator will be sharing his or her own experience with the use of propane as an alternative energy on the farm, their personal ties to 4-H, as well as promoting the PERC-sponsored contest. To participate in the contest, users must :

• Post a picture of themselves, their propane-powered equipment, and/or their propane tank on their social page. • Tell their followers how they are keeping their farm sustainable through the use of propane. • Tag the influencer and include the hashtag “#PropaneFor4H”. For each submitted post, PERC will donate one dollar to the national 4-H office, up to $5,000. “If I could pick one rural organization to support, it would be 4-H because it’s an incredible organization that has the ability to make a real difference in the lives of youth across the nation,” said Mike Newland, director of ag business development at PERC. “ I’m personally very excited about this campaign because I participated in 4-H myself growing up showing pigs, and my own kids showed pigs and Holland Lop rabbits. The quality time spent together and the lessons established through 4-H participation is invaluable.” About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com. For More Information: Gregg Walker, Propane Education & Research Council 202-452-8975 gregg.walker@propane.com Brooke Behrendt, Swanson Russell 402-437-6053 brookeb@swansonrussell.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

A Letter from the Editor Matthew 6:25-34

25 “ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

When our hearts get cold our values become inverted. Anxiety. Its real.. a lot of people have anxiety.. I am one of them. I have had anxiety so bad once in my life I had to get on medication, and I am not ashamed to let the world know that. When my mom died, and the issues we had with my son when he was little was enough anxiety to last me a life time. But over time I learned how to manage it. Doesn’t mean I still don’t worry about things, because I do quite frequently. I have just gotten better about managing it. With the way 2020 has been going I think a lot of people who have never experienced anxiety have experienced it this year. We have had so many uncertainties during these times. How long do we have to wear a mask, when will life go back to normal, will it ever? Many lost jobs, many businesses have suffered, will we run out of supplies, will the cheating be addressed in the election? So many questions with no answers. Stop and think to yourself how many times have you asked yourself these questions or a question that you did not know the answer to that caused you to be worried? I honestly am so disappointed at where we are as a world. It is filled with so much hate, which I believe has stemmed from a lot of uncertainty and lack of respect. We have lost respect for others opinions, respecting someone’s opinion doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. But where has our humility gone? Where has the respect gone? I am personally worried about the future especially for my child’s future. But I have to remember I am a parent and I want to lead by example. If I am living my life in fear what kind of example am I setting? Over the last year, I have changed A LOT. I have learned that I cannot live in constant fear and anxiety of what is going to happen, because it is something I have no control over. What I can control is how I react, my perspective on life and my days, and love. I chose to love everyone despite the fact we might not agree. I have learned that the root cause of anxiety is a failure to trust all that God has promised to be for us in Jesus. In my opinion (doesn’t mean I am right) I feel we have misplaced our trust. Instead of putting our trust in God we have placed it into the world. An anxiety ridden world. We are leading by example for the younger generation. Are we leading an example filled with love and respect? Or are we leading by fear? Fear is the path to darkness. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. Which exactly where we are as a nation—again in my opinion. I think with 2020 there were times when we said “ I can’t do this anymore.” We have all been pushed to some sort of limit, and those limits are different for us all. But I think God has allowed us to have the “ I can’t” moments to remind us HE CAN ! Whatever you are going through, whether you have anxiety or not, please remember that God can do all the things we can’t. Remember that living in fear will do nothing but hold you back. Its all about perspective. I can look back at 2020 and think of a lot of good things. The memories I have made with my family, the laughter over toilet paper, I have discovered a whole new me, I have become stronger, and what I thought was once important wasn’t so important. God knows what He is doing, even in this world when most of us are clueless on what is going to happen next. Its not our job to wonder, to worry. Have faith in GOD and place your trust in HIM, and in the end all will be fine. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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Instead of featuring a farmer this edition, I want to honor all of you and say Thank you to all those who selflessly wake up everyday to feed, clothe the world. 2020 has been rough but still rewarding in our own personal ways. No matter what we go through

we stand together. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Cotton and Grain Tournament 020

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FARM LIFE FAMILY LIFE BALANCE 2020 Husband: Hey, honey I’m not going to be able to make it tonight. Husband: Yea sorry I just have to finish this field before it rains this weekend. Husband: Yea I know I said I could make it but I just have to get this done. We all have had these conversations, whether its harvest, planting, hay season, broke down equipment, or as simple as just finishing up a project in the shop or barn. We all have decided that whatever we are working on is more important than that night with the wife while the kids are gone, or there will be another baseball game for your son. Maybe its tee ball for your oldest and there is 10 more games still to go this season. But what if there weren’t any more games, or you never got another night alone with your wife? Farm life Family Life balance can be one of the hardest things to wrap your brain around and to keep in check. This is coming from a Midwest farmer/tile drainage contractor. I am very aware of the millions of excuses we all can use to why we miss big events for the kids, school functions, family dinners, maybe even as simple as church on Sunday. But, the word that can get us all in trouble and we all love to use. We all have reasons on reasons on reasons to justify our mindset. I mean the first and foremost is probably well our dads did it this way and rarely went to my stuff as a kid. I can say I was that farm kid that was lucky. My dad did come to most my stuff. I was not an athlete by any means. Unless you call one season of basketball in the 5th grade. But there is a reason there was only one season. Dad was very present in all my 4H activities and our church. That is where we spent most of our time off the farm. I write this from lessons learned some might say the hard way. With having a wife working a full-time job and 4 daughters close in age 9,7,7,3. Yes the middle two are twins. We went from 2 kids growing up having no idea what we were doing to being thrust into the crazy life of kids. All the while farm and drainage business were seeing its own struggles. So, when I say I have learned things the hard way. I literally mean it. Excuses, you know those things we use to justify to ourselves why we need to stay in the combine that night, or to skip church and work day 7 of week 8 in harvest season, or the reason we choose to stay out all night plowing a field, or sitting next to the

BY JAMES RAMSEY

dryer in the truck for hours on end as it runs flawlessly but the wife is 8 minutes down the road and would love to have just 5 minutes holding onto you for the first time in 3 days. The definitions of excuses from the internet are: attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify. Release from duty or requirement. These definitions might seem a bit brash but at the end of the day they are exactly what we all do. The status quo for ag is to just know we have long days and well make it up when were not so busy. But what if something happens and that day does not come. Now I am a firm believer in worry about today and let tomorrow worry about itself. But what if you use one to many excuses and tragedy in any form strikes? First off there is no reason to live in fear, but the other side is God calls us to take care of his world, this does not just include the land and livestock. He is also talking about the blessings he has placed in our lives. As the song from Thomas Rhett says, “we only get one trip around this world”. So, don’t you think we should make it count? I tell my guys all the time no matter what we are working on the “the little things are what make the difference”. This could mean I spend 30 minutes talking to an elderly customer about his wife that just passed, it could be the way we install a fitting just slightly different to make our the connection in a drainage tile stronger, it could be cleaning the mud out of the drive behind the grain cart as we leave a landlords drive. Those things can make a huge difference that most will never realize. But what if we took an hour or two and went to the tee ball game or soccer game on Thursday evening while the combine sits still. Maybe it is taking a Sunday off to take the kids on a hike or hunting. Maybe it is calling the wife on a rainy afternoon saying we’re taking the kids to the in laws and you to spend sometime together. All I can say is the little things can make a BIG impact on life, not only your life but your families, employees, and maybe you never know how that ripple effect will guide you to something better. All this to say we all can be better at life, there is nothing wrong with striving to be or do better for the family or business. Let’s just not forget all those that we are working to make there tomorrow better by pushing their priorities down the to do list, all in the name of success for them to live comfortably. At the end of the day we can’t take it with us and they will value the memories over that next 80 acres if history tells us anything. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Fertilizer Considerations for the 2021 Cotton Crop BY DEREK EMERINE

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

ecent articles have focused on utilizing up to date soil samples to help prioritize fertilizer spending and identifying nutri ents besides nitrogen and phosphorus that have a large impact on cotton yields in South Texas. Continued uncertainty during a pandemic, static to lower commodity prices, and weather issues in 2020 make 2021 a growing season in which the margin for error has gotten even smaller. In these times, it is imperative to make sure that the fertilizer being applied will result in a return on investment. Understanding what soil test levels are present but also understanding how much phosphorus and potassium are removed and taken up by cotton allows for a more informed decision around phosphorus and potassium fertilizer spending. Crop removal is describing only nutrients removed with the harvested portion of the crop taken to the gin. Total uptake is total nutrient taken up and accumulated in the entire plant. Many people discuss how much phosphorus and potassium are removed by certain crops at varying yields. However, much fewer discuss total phosphorus and potassium uptake. Understanding these numbers can be another tool to help prioritize fertilizer spending. According to the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), two bale cotton removes 64 lbs N, 28 lbs P, & 38 lbs K; and three bale cotton removes 96 lbs N, 42 lbs P, & 57 lbs K. It is clear to see that more potassium than phosphorus is removed, however, these numbers do not show that one nutrient versus another requires more attention. When looking at just

these numbers one could draw the conclusion that phosphorus and potassium are equally important in cotton. Cotton Physiology Today, a publication published by the National Cotton Council, has highlighted total N, P, & K uptake per bale. Two bale cotton takes up about 196 lbs N, 70 lbs P, & 158 lbs K; and three bale cotton takes up about 294 lbs N, 105 lbs P, & 237 lbs K. These numbers indicate that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer should probably have more focus than phosphorus fertilizer. Other research looking maximum N, P, & K uptake per day and maximum uptake of N, P, & K in the boll printed in the textbook â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flowering and Fruiting in Cottonâ&#x20AC;? published by the Cotton Foundation also confirms that potassium fertilizer should have a larger focus than phosphorus fertilizer in cotton. Maximum daily uptake for cotton is 4.6 lbs N, 1.54 lbs P, and 7 lbs K. Maximum uptake per boll is 111 mg N, 21.4 mg P, and 103 mg K. Total nutrient uptake, maximum daily uptake, and maximum uptake per boll clearly illustrate that there should be more of a focus on potassium versus phosphorus fertilizer in cotton. Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, however there is considerable evidence to show that potassium fertilizer applications have a greater chance of providing a return on investment compared to phosphorus in cotton. I would never advocate not applying phosphorus fertilizer, but I would strongly advocate exploring how much phosphorus vs. potassium is currently being applied and consider changing the ratio between the two nutrients if there is currently more phosphorus than potassium being applied.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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Oates to Lead USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas

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risty Oates was recently named state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas. Oates will be responsible for NRCS operations within the state, including the administration of conservation technical assistance to private landowners, conservation financial assistance programs, conservation easement programs, the Natural Resources Inventory, soil survey mapping, and the plant materials program. Most recently, Oates served as the state resource conservationist for Texas, where she led the ecological sciences department in addressing natural resource concerns through sound conservation planning, technical leadership in quality assurance, policy development and implementation, and training oversight. Oates was raised on a beef and cropland operation in central Texas and began her career with NRCS in 1995 as a soil conservation technician in Freestone County after working as a district technician for the Freestone County Soil and Water Conservation District. During her 25 years of service, Oates has been promoted through multiple technical, supervisory, and leadership positions in Texas. Detail assignments in several states have given her valuable experience working with producers who have varied agricultural systems including producers in Iowa, Florida, and Minnesota. Recently, Oates served as the acting division director for the NRCS Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance Division in Washington, D.C. “Growing up on a farm in Texas and working across the state has given me an understanding of issues that often impact private land and producers who manage them,” Oates said. “I look forward to leading with a vision to deliver high quality service to support agricultural producers and collaborate with ag and conservation groups to protect Texas’ natural resources.” Oates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the USDA Emerging Leaders Development Program from the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Outside of work, Oates enjoys spending time with her family exploring the great outdoors and traveling to new destinations.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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Ag Mag RECIPE

Avocado Shrimp Tostadas Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds medium size Texas Wild Caught Shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 small Avocados 2 teaspoon lime juice 8 crispy 6-inch round tostadas Garnishes: sliced jalapenos, sliced radish, roasted corn kernels, shredded red cabbage, pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco and lime wedges.

PREPARATION • In a medium size bowl, toss the shrimp with the garlic, olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Allow the shrimp to sit for ten minutes for the flavors to develop. • Heat a charbroil grill to medium high heat. • Brush the grill grates with a little oil to keep the shrimp from sticking. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the grill and cook for three to four minutes on each side until the shrimp begin to curl and turn pink and the center of the shrimp is no longer translucent. Remove the shrimp from the grill and keep warm. • Cut the avocados in half and then remove the pits and scoop the flesh from the skin, placing the avocado pulp in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado with one tablespoon of olive oil, the lime juice and one salt. Continue to mash the avocado until fairly smooth. • Divide the avocado pulp evenly between the eight tostada shells and spread across the surface of each tostada. • Top each tostada with three or four shrimp each and then add a topping of the wide range of garnishes as desired. • Serve immediately.

When Wheat Drilling is About More Than Wheat BY CAITLIN HENDERSON

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

he atmosphere of planting season is in the air and we’ve spent the last week drilling wheat here on our Kansas farm. The tractors have been running long hours trying to get all of our fields planted before the next rain, and everyone is pitching in to do their part. This afternoon I sat on my front porch and watched them drilling the field next to our house. I thought about how this time of year is one of my favorites, and that out of all the lessons and metaphors I’ve come to learn and love from the farm, this might be at the top of the list. So much has to happen before we can begin to drill wheat. We take soil samples to see what nutrients the ground needs, we work the ground, get our equipment ready, pray for a slow steady rain beforehand, and get to work. I love to watch the wheat pour out of auger and into the drill. Millions of kernels that hopefully will turn into a bountiful harvest months down the road. But what I love the most about this entire process, is that before that harvest can ever happen, the kernel has to break. New life cannot spring through the soil unless the kernel planted is broken open to allow that new plant to grow. I think that is such a beautiful metaphor for life. And I think it’s a message that people everywhere need to hear right now. I talk to so many people who are struggling or going through hard situations. They feel incredibly broken, alone, and they don’t see much hope ahead. They don’t understand how beauty could ever come after the brokenness they’ve been through. And each time I talk to someone who is struggling, I think of that wheat kernel. About how we would never have the harvest if it weren’t for the brokenness. I believe that’s also true in life. Our hard situations, our struggles, and our failures don’t go to waste. They shape us and mold us, and they allow us to come through stronger on the other side. We think that we are buried in that brokenness, but really we are just getting ready to grow. That brokenness will push us forward, and one day, just as the wheat breaks through the soil, we will breathe a breath of fresh air and realize that we made it through.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

W L

hitney arson

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in an amazing family full of athletes. My parents both played college ball- baseball and volleyball. And we grew up on all things ball. Softball, Basketball Volleyball and when my brother was born football. My summers were spent in the weight room and in gyms all across kansas and surrounding states. I was taught hard work, resilience, determination and dedication at an early age. My parents not only spent countless hours but a lot of money to help is travel and play on AAU and Club teams in others states to get recognition for our college careers. To say basketball taught me so much about life may sound silly to some. But unless you are an athlete and are taught the same morals and life lessons I was you may not. It shaped me for the future, it paid for my schooling, it gave me some of the best friends and memories i could have ever asked for. My childhood was anything short of amazing and i can only thank my two amazing hard working parents for that. I got something many kids did not have the opportunity to have and that was at LEAST one parent at every single sporting event at home or away. And to top that off grandparents that were alwats in the stands supporting us. My mom or my dad were always there cheering for me (and in later years my siblings), or in my dads case whistling. We laugh now but he had the most attention grabbing whistle, and he only used it when we need an adjustment of some kind on the court. Whether that be our crappy attitudes, a simple clap to get our butts in gear and hustle harder or a head nod that yes you are rocking it girl. After highschool I got an offer to play Juco basketball at a college near home. I was dating my husband Bart at the time and definitely didnt want to stray too far from where he was living. I found in college i felt lost in the school aspect and excelled in my sports like i was determined to do. I just could not pin down what i wanted to do with my lilfe and felt like spending all this money was so hard to do when i could not find it in my soul to pick a major. I started in nursing. And after completeing my CNA courese and working in a long term care facilitu for a summer, i quickly realized nurses and cnas are gods gift to earth and i was simply not cut out for it. So here i was with all my pre reqs done to start the nursing program and switched again. This time I thought vet tech would be my absolute path, but you cannot do that program and play sports. Which was a downfall as a I was doing so well in basketball that I wasnt ready to hang up my shoes. So i continued forward with achieving my associates with no major. I graduated and that was all that matters, especially considering that college algebra was maybe the cloeset i have ever been to death haha. I moved home after turning down some prestigous offers to go play higher level basketball to start my life with Bart. I landed a great job as an assitant to an optometrist. I worked there for four years, while bart worked for a local farmer. We were married in those four years and i was expecting our first son. Barts passion has always been farming and he loved his job as a hired man. But his boss being the amazing man he was knew bart was

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cut out for more and could do more with his life. So he pushed him to buy a ground spray rig and start his own business. Thats when Larson Ag came to life. We moved to his hometown about an hours south of where we currently lived. I had a fresh baby, was a stay at home mom since the move and drive to work didnt make financial sense, and i missed my family so much. Anyone that is a farm wife can probably agree the hours are insane. But try coming from the city like me; where we ate supper together every night, we had weekends together traveling or at home, i saw my parents everyday sometimes more than twice and I lived in a short driving distance to a walmart and so much more. Now I was plopped in the middle of nowhere (or so i thought) with no friends, none of my family and smacked into farm life all at once. I struggled and would be lying if i said i didnt. For about a year and a half i had to adjust, learn and grow as a farm wife and mother. The hardest part for me was i knew nothing about farming. We never had more than a dog when i grew up, i couldn’t even back up a trailer or drive a stick. But i wanted to learn, i was eager to live in my husbands passion and dream and not outside of it. We then took on some custom farming and rented farm ground and life got a lot busier. I got alot more brave and asked all

the questions and wanted to learn and learn some more. Thank the good Lord that my husband didnt give me much of an option, this was our life together and i was apart of it. He has taught me

absolutely everything i know. I can now drive a semi, i run our grain cart in harvest seasons, I operated the combine picking corn last year for quite some time, I can back up trailers, handle the farm books and even attend classes for women in ag when i get the chance. He gave me a sense of worth and wings to be the farm wife i had always dreamed of. When i said i couldn’t find my soul in school what to do, i think thats because it wasnt there. Where i was meant to be is right here, next to my farmer husband raising 3 little kids to live a lifestyle only some dream of. God knew where i was meant to be and it may have taken several years after college to get here, but im here and thats all that matters. When i say you are never too young or too old to learn, I mean that whole heartedly, I am still learning new things and thrive on information and learning new things. I now serve on our county farm bureau as a board member, advocate for the ag industry, have a podcast with a fellow farm wife and am 100% involved in our operation. Im proud to say im city girl turned farm wife, and I hope it inspires someone to know that just because you arent from the ag world does not mean you cannot get there. Anyone can get involved in Ag, there are so many sectors of agriculture its amazing.

Why is Agriculture so important to you? Agriculture is important to me because it is literally how we are all feeding ourselves and our families. I challenge my kids at meal time who can we thank for this today? Lettuce, A burger, buns, ketchup, pickles, potato chips. Just there thats 6 farms raising those products, not to mention the amount of folks, time, money and care it takes to get it to our plates. I grew up not knowing how we had food in our freezer or pantry. And i think its so important with todays technology that we are all sharing out stories in Ag so there arent kids like me who arent sure. I would love for everyone to know where their food comes from and much more that we all work so hard and with so much passion to do what we do. Agriculture is far from easy, and i don’t think some folks understand that. So we kind of take advantage that theres always food in the stores, but its so much more than that.

In what ways are you advocating? I advocate through my instagram profile and with our podcast; Midwest Farm Wives who i cohost with Kylie Epperson in MO. I not only share farm facts; I share why we farm the way we do, I share the amount of time it takes, I share the hard stuff because thats real life. I share marketing myths in the store and even throw in some motherhood and farm wife tips and hacks. I love connecting with other women and learning about their farms and ranches as well. To be honest I have learned so much from other farmers on ig in the last two years and i am so proud of everyone sharing their story for others to learn from. I feel I am also advoating by attending conferences, meetings and reading up on whats trending in ag to share with others and to gain the knowledge myself.

Tell us a little about your farm? We row crop farm corn, sorghum and wheat. Our operation is diverse in the fact that we offer custom work. Meaning we spray, plant and sometimes harvest other farmers’ crops. We are both generational farmers on our first generation farm. It hasnt been easy and weve had no handouts, but it has made us more proud and we have had to work harder for all we have. To see where we have come from 7 years ago makes me proud. We have grown our family and done this all together. We have amazing hired men who make alot of what we do

possible. Between them, Bart and I we are usually always on the go. Its definitely not easy, but if it was wouldnt everyone be doing it? Some may call us farmers crazy but it isnt for the money its for the lifestyle we get to lead. Its a hell of a life as john dutton says.

What is the biggest misconception in Ag in your opinion? I think that the biggest misconception is that food is unsafe in some way. Whether that is GMO, Organic, Antibiotics, Hormones etc. When the brutal reality is that ALL FOOD IS SAFE. It is just a matter of

options that we are blessed to have. America has the largest securest safest good supply in the world, we are extremeley blessed and seem to lose sight of that in the blame game of who is trying to harm us. Farmers and Rancher care so much about the food we grow and raise and we are eating the same things and given the same options in the store as a producer, we too are consumers!

What skills do you try to instill in your kids? I would be lying if i said i didnt want them all to be able to drive peterbilts by the time they are ten! But really we are just trying to show them that if you work hard in life you can make a living. Bart always tells the kids the harder you work the more money you can make. He also tells them cool isnt cheap, so we could be in trouble there too haha! Them growing up working with us, i hope they learn that we arent quitters, when life gets hard we get tougher. I want them to learn that when you start something you finish it, and that they can absolutely do anything they put their mind to. Independence is an important one to me as well. Having a husband that farms sort of means i dont have a honey do list, hes busy and when hes home he wants to be with us and relax no conquer a mile long list. So i have learned that google and youtube are my best friends. I want my kids to do the same and know they can do it even if they dont quite know how. I hope they grow into adults that respect others, that they are determined, that they know its ok to mess up but you must get better afterwards, that they are allowed to share their feelings no matter how bad. I wan them to be happy at whatever they do, life is too short to settle or be in a job or relationship that doesn’t bring you joy. And lastly I want them to know they have to work hard at everything they commit to. Farm kids are pretty amazing little ones and i foresee their futures will continue in the path of their daddies. Barts parents did a phenomenal job raising him, he is one of the hardest working most determined person i have ever known and i’m so proud to call him my husband.

If you could give a young farmers wife a piece of advice what would it be? Don’t be afraid to try the hard stuff. And ask a million questions until you understand. Get involved in your operation. Figure out your role and its ok if its different than the gal down the street or the lady on instagram. Knowledge is power, and so is knowing you are just as capable as any other woman or man out there. Let your hands shake and your heart beat fast, but take deep breaths and know you can do anything you put your mind to. Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader and thats ok, you can do it!

What is the most challenging thing you have had to encounter on the farm and advocating? Haters. Folsk that want to shame or judge me. But to advocate we have to be strong in our story and realize we are not going to be for everyone and that our job is to show people WHY we do what we do and i am proud to be out there doing just that. I think that no matter how small or big your operation is it IS worth sharing. If we dont share our stories someone else out there may and it could be false info.

What is the most rewarding (in regards to question above) The most rewarding thing is when folks reach out and tell me they learned something new. Whether i reach 1 person or 1000 i am doing my job in trying to educate for my industry! Helping others gain knowledge and courage is my main goal on my platforms!

What are ways you plan to agvocate in the future? I will continue on my ista path as well as my podcast platform. I think I would really like to start writing more and possibly even speaking! NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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Legislation provides flexibility for hauling ag commodities The newly introduced Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2020 would help accommodate the seasonal spikes in transportation of food, fiber and other agricultural supplies by modernizing the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation and 101 other farm, livestock and food production groups. “Given the strong safety record of the U.S. agricultural trucking sector, Congress periodically has modified policies to enhance its usefulness to help ensure a more efficient and cost-effective freight transportation distribution system. But it is in need of updating,” the groups wrote in a letter to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety. The HAULS Act would make three important incremental changes to the agricultural exemption to hoursof-services rules. The legislation would eliminate the “planting and harvesting periods” requirements to ensure uniformity across the country. Most states already have adopted a year-round agricultural exemption (Jan.1 – Dec. 31) to accommodate the diverse range of crops and modern agricultural practices that keep trucks moving agricultural products year-round, the groups noted. Second, the legislation would provide a 150-air-miles exemption from hours-of-service regulations on the backend of hauls. This builds on the current exemption for the beginning of hauls at the “source” and simply would add the term “destination.” The same concerns that exist at the start of the haul– navigating minimally maintained rural roads, allowing extra time to ensure livestock safety, for example– exist at the end of the haul. “This language also would address the very real concern of those who come close to their destinations and then ‘run out of time,’ forcing them to leave livestock on their trailers for 10 consecutive hours while only being a short distance from their destination. This is impractical, illogical, and detrimental to animal welfare,” the groups wrote. The HAULS Act also would update of the definition of an agricultural commodity for purposes of determining eligible freight for the agricultural exemption. The bill’s proposed definition “appropriately covers current agricultural products and allows for continued evolution of any agricultural commodities in the future,” according to the groups.

MORE THAN JUST INSURANCE! 70 Ag Mag

THEAGMAG.ORG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Issue 38 of Ag Mag

Articles inside

Whitney Larson

FARM LIFE, FAMILY LIFE, BALANCE 2020

Farming Around The U.S

Fertilizer Considerations For The 2021 Cotton Crop

Deadly Amoeba in Texas Water Supply

Diagnosing Common Lawn Problems

Chinese Commodity Demand Helping Lift Ag Prices

NRCS Announces 2021 Deadlines for Conservation

Taking TEXAS Worldwide

How Raised-beds Improve Citrus Irrigation Efficiency

The Texas Gulf Shrimp Diaries

AgrAbility

When Wheat Drilling is About More Than Wheat